Memorials to be unveiled for brave war captain

A war hero given the highest honour for bravery is to be remembered 100 years after his death.

Victoria Cross (VC) recipient Captain Theodore Wright will have a stone and plaque unveiled at Brighton’s war memorial on Wednesday.

The honour is part of a national scheme that will see every VC recipient of World War One commemorated with a paving stone.

Two other Brighton VC recipients, Ernest Beal and Edward Mannock, will be awarded with stones and plaques in 2018 – 100 years after their deaths.

The public ceremony takes place between 1.30pm and 2pm in the Old Steine. Relatives of Captain Wright will be joined by Brighton and Hove mayor, Brian Fitch, the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Peter Field, and a representative of the Royal Engineers.

Born in Brighton in 1883, he was educated at Clifton College in Bristol before going to the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich. He joined the Royal Engineers in 1902 and served around the world before being sent to France with the British Expeditionary Force at the start of the war in August 1914.

During the Battle of Mons, he was ordered to blow up eight bridges over a canal. Despite being injured he continued to set charges under the bridges and managed to blow up a key crossing.

It was for his bravery during this operation that he was awarded the VC.

The following month, at Vailly, he was killed while helping wounded men to shelter.

An officer of the Scots Greys later wrote in a letter: “At the end of the bridge was an engineer officer repairing bits blown off and putting down straw as cool as a cucumber – the finest thing I ever saw. The poor fellow was killed just after my troops got across. No man earned a better Victoria Cross.”

As part of the events being held to mark the 100th anniversary of the Great War, Brighton and Hove Bus company is naming one of its fleet after the hero.

Mayor, Coun Brian Fitch, said: “The memorial stone will provide a lasting tribute to Captain Wright at Brighton War Memorial and we are delighted that members of his family will see it unveiled.”

I certainly won't.....I'll be scouring them to see Caroline Lucas's expression of disgust.

A wonderful national gesture for our heroes.
"Do not miss Thursday’s Argus for pictures of the event. "
I certainly won't.....I'll be scouring them to see Caroline Lucas's expression of disgust.ok,jared